Carajillo: The Elegant Spanish Coffee Cocktail
If you’ve never tried a Carajillo, you’re going to love it! Licor 43, the star of the show, is a robust coffee and sweet, citrusy liqueur that make this Spanish drink the best. I
It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for sipping after dinner or any time you want to feel elegant. And it’s really easy to create at home with just two essential ingredients.
Let’s get going!
Ingredients & Tools
- Glass for rocks
- Coffee maker or espresso machine
- Stirring spoon
- Knife or peeler (if you want to use orange peel as a garnish)
- ○ 2 ounces of Licor 43
- ○ One shot (approximately one ounce) of hot espresso or strong black coffee
- ○ Cubes of ice
- ○ Orange peel (for garnish, optional)
Preparation Steps
- Put ice cubes in your rocks glass and then pour 2 ounces of Licor 43 over the ice.
- Fill the glass with a new shot of hot espresso or strong coffee. Look at how the layers mix!
- Twist a piece of orange peel over the drink to let its oils out, then drop it in or put it on the glass.
- Stir it gently and drink it!
Tips & Variations
- Strong French press coffee works just as well as an espresso machine.
- Put your glass in the fridge ahead of time for a drink that is even more refreshing.
- To make the drink seem better, twist the orange peel softly over it to let the oils out before adding it as a garnish.
- No Licor 43? For a distinct citrus flavor, try a different sweet liqueur like Grand Marnier or Cointreau.
- You can make it hot or cold. You can serve it with or without ice, depending on how you feel.
- For a creamier texture, put some heavy cream or whipped cream on top.
- If you want a drink that is completely cold, you can make the espresso ahead of time and let it cool in the fridge.
- The espresso and Licor 43 blend tastes best when it’s fresh, but you can store it in the fridge (without ice) for up to a day and then pour it over fresh ice when you’re ready.
Final Thoughts
So that’s all! In just a few minutes, you prepared a fancy, sweet, and strong Carajillo that is great for any event. I’d love to hear how yours came out. Please leave a comment below to let me know if you tried it or added your own variation! Thanks! 🍊☕